Reduce use of carbon black in tyres. Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to Tyre Manufacturers.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) has asked tyre manufacturers to reduce the content of carbon black in tyres, which is the second most important component in rubber tyres.

TNPCB said in a press brief that, “Carbon black contributes to road dust that causes the ambient air pollution. Due to wear & tear of tyres on roads, the carbon black is released & blends with the dust which adds to the pollution caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons caused by improper combustion from vehicles. Though better roads can reduce the wear & tear on tyres but, for now TNPCB has resorted to tackling tyre manufacturers.”

Carbon black is manufactured by burning hydrocarbons in a limited supply of air & helps in abrasion resistance while adding to the strength of the tyre. The largest use of carbon black is in the manufacture of automotive tyres. According to one TNPCB source, “The board is asking manufacturers in the State to reduce carbon black in the tyres manufactured by them. In cities like Chennai where pollution levels are slowly climbing up, such steps will help keep air pollution under control.”

Tyre industry sources said that though carbon black cannot be eliminated completely, globally many tyre companies were reducing the quantity used. It has its uses & is a very essential component in tyres. Another TNPCB source said that, “Such steps have already been taken in developing countries. An alternative to carbon black is adding silica which helps in many things including improvement of wet grip resistance. Some manufacturers have already begun reducing carbon black in the case of special tyres.